Caregivers

Review this article addressing family policy questions that are often asked about consumer-directed services. Issues such as quality, suitability, and fraud and abuse are examined. Elder consumers and their caregivers who participated in the Arkansas Cash and Counseling program were interviewed. Analysis of responses demonstrates how this model can address both the needs of consumers with diverse disabilities and policy makers.

Find an example of a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to long term care planning. Developed by the District of Columbia, this publication provides a detailed overview of long term care (LTC) options, and includes information on understanding the need for LTC, costs, financing, and service and support options. Easy to understand graphics and data are included. This guide can serve as an example for other organizations looking to develop similar consumer-oriented materials.

Find a listing of caregiver services drawn from numerous sources by DHHS’ New Freedom Initiative Subcommittee on Caregiving members, speakers and other stakeholders. The list is not intended to be exhaustive or all-inclusive. It includes several programs developed to support the caregiver such as Caring From A Distance and the National Caregiver Alliance.

What provisions in health care reform will have the most direct impact on family caregivers? This overview discusses long-term care incentives, including the CLASS Act, Community First Choice Option, the extension of Money Follows the Person demonstration programs and ADRC initiatives. The brief also addresses care quality and coordination, and changes involving health care coverage and health care workforce development.

Looking for sample e-newsletters funded by the MIG grant and geared towards employing people with disabilities? The state of Maine created 'Working Together e-News' as a way of providing timely, relevant, business-oriented information and updates for employers that are interested in diversifying Maine's workforce. An archive of these newsletters are provided on their website and could serve as an example to other states considering a newsletter sponsorship model.

An update to the Robert Wood Johnson 2002 chartbook examines the impact of chronic conditions on individuals and their caregivers, and the inadequacies of the U.S. health care system to meet their needs. According to the author, care for people with chronic conditions is not coordinated, leading to unnecessary service use. Included among his recommendations is the encouragement and support of patient self-management and family caregiving. Also attached is a presentation with supporting data.

A Southwestern Pennsylvania demonstration program has been initiated to promote relationship-centered care for elders and people living with disabilities in need of home and community-based services and supports. It involves a series of five three-day train-the-trainer programs based on the state model for personal care aides (PCAs). Included are the announcement and a fact sheet on direct-care workers in Pennsylvania.

How are states integrating American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded on-the-job training into their MIG grant programs? Utah created presentations to train new on-the-job training employees. Three of these presentations are attached. Topics include building employer relationships, schedule A, and successful job development. These presentations could be a good example for other states seeking to do the same.

Review materials generated by the Central Texas ADRC providing information about the program, and many state-specific forms and documentation. Also included is a detailed Guidebook for participants in their Veteran-Directed Home and Community Based Services program. These materials (guidebook, sample budgets, emergencies, employment forms, job descriptions and trainings) can be used as templates for other states involved in similar initiatives.

Looking for a clear and concise summary of an existing MIG grant program? Attached is the Arizona Employment and Disability Partnership MIG Grant Fact Sheet which outlines, among other things, the programs’ goal, its approach, 2010 planned initiatives, and its AHCCCS Freedom to Work evaluation and member survey. This document could serve as a helpful guide to other states contemplating a MIG program or accessing an existing program.